Show honors Neistat legacy, raises money for cancer research

Starting in 1979, Louise Neistat - a former Radio City Rockette who became a dance teacher in New London - held an annual student recital to raise money for cancer research.

Neistat died last year at age 92. But her daughter, Margo, will continue on with the show she helped produce each year.

The performance at the Garde Arts Center will showcase more than 70 singers and dancers who have studied with Neistat, along with friends and colleagues. Crooner Nicolas King will sing as part of the event.

Neistat's advocacy for cancer research was inspired by her father, who died from cancer before Louise's first show as a Rockette. During her lifetime, Neistat raised more then $100,000 for the cause. The proceeds from this year's show will benefit the Lawrence & Memorial Cancer Center.

- KRISTINA DORSEY

"Her Way: A Tribute to Louise Neistat," 7 p.m. Saturday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $22-$25, $10 students; benefits the L&M Cancer Center; (860) 444-7373, ext. 1, gardearts.org.